Harvard GMP vs EMBA

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gtmba

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Posted Oct 02, 2013 19:31

I know it's been discussed but I am curious of this groups thoughts and opinions on the Harvard GMP program vs. an EMBA at a mid-tier school.

I am a Senior Exec with 17 years of professional experience not looking to make any big career changes just make sure I stay on track. In my last role, I did get asked several times why I didn't have an MBA but for the most part it hasn't been a big issue.

To keep it brief, I have two young kids, active in the community the Harvard GMP seems like a great program fully paid by my company with thier full support while there vs. tyring to do an EMBA locally at a mid-tier shool say ranke 40-100. Going to be a lot more time away from the fmaily and will it really add much at this point in my career?

Any thoughts as both are open opitions and would be paid for by my company.

Thanks!

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Oct 02, 2013 23:21

I would tend the trust your company and Harvard's admissions team on this. If they'll both back you into the GMP, then it's probably the better choice for you. They will have a pretty good understanding.

Actually, the GMP is a full 35 work-days out of the office, and some EMBAs might ask the same. EMBA Global, the double MBA from Columbia and London, asks for that. Even some very extensive and in-depth programs, like the Purdue EMBA and its transatlantic IMM-EMBA double degree is only 50 days.

In terms of goals, I think the key thing is whether you personally are motivated to get a degree. If you're not, and I guess you are not since you're asking the question,

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Razors Edg...

1.082 833

Posted Oct 07, 2013 10:21

I'd say that you might find that an EMBA program would give you a different experience, in that they mainly take place in weekend sessions over the course of 2 years or so. Some find that to be a more cohesive experience, than the several weeks at a time model of the GMP.

And if you find a local EMBA program where you can do weekend classes, it's a different kind of disruption than trying to get away for 3-4 weeks at a time for the GMP. I guess it would depend on what would make more sense with your schedule/family obligations/etc.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider Harvard's "EMBA alternative" - its Personal Leadership Development program - which requires less on-campus time than the GMP.

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